Prehistoric magic...

is an unknown topic but the archaic man certainly tried to negotiate with the forces of nature through rites, incantations and sacrifices.  The shaman assured the safety of the tribe in unveiling the best chase and fishing spots, provoking or stopping rainfall, curing illnesses and keeping negative forces at distance. The shaman was the one with the knowledge to communicate with nature. he/she knew how to cure, see the future, predict natural cataclysms, find food for the tribe and question the ancient for advice... he/she was the one who managed to keep people in sync with nature...Keeper of the secret knowledge of nature, the cosmos and the ancients, he/she had a very high social status within the tribe.